Hanukkah;

Compiled by Muriel Pinkus

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah commemorates a historical event…a battle for religious freedom.

In the second century before the common era the Syrian king Antiochus IV, aiming to make all his subjects follow one religion only – that of the Greeks, forbade the Jews to worship the one God, profaned the holy Temple in Jerusalem by erecting within it a statue of Zeus and performing sacrifices to Zeus there.  Mattathias, a priest from the town of Modi’in, started a revolt, and even though their small band was far outnumbered, successfully  overthrew the Syrians and rededicated the Temple.  Judah, Matathias’ son, called the “Maccabee” (hammer), who had succeeded his father as leader, destroyed the alter that had been profaned and built a new one, and then held a great rededication of the Temple, with ceremonies lasting eight days. Judah decreed that on the anniversary of that dedication a  festival shall be held in commemoration, and to this day that is so.

The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” means “Dedication”.

On Hanukkah we light candles in a “menorah”, also called a “hanukiyyah”, starting with one candle on the first night and adding one more on each successive night, with eight lights on the eighth night. 

Hanukkah is not a major holiday in our liturgical year.  Traditionally it has been mainly a children’s holiday to teach the importance of freedom to worship as one chooses.  However, as Christmas has become more and more overwhelming,  Jewish children in school, etc., felt left out of all the fun and missing out on presents.  Since Hanukkah happens to occur about the same time as Christmas, a custom has developed of giving gifts and celebrating Hanukkah in a joyous way.

Many legends have grown up about Hanukkah, particularly one about a cruse of oil found in the Temple that had only enough oil to burn for one day.  By a miracle it burned for eight days, until enough oil could be consecrated to take its place.

The Maccabeean War (168-165 B.C.E.) is seen as the first great battle for religious freedom, and the foundation for the belief that all people have the right to worship as they please, with no hindrance from government.

Symbolic Foods
(Mike Ghouse: Part of the essence of the festivals I had shared with my groups in December of 1983)

The traditional foods consumed during the Hanukkah holiday are symbolic of the events being celebrated. Most are fried in oil, symbolic of the oil that lasted eight days. Others contain cheese to celebrate Judith's victory. Loukoumades are deep-fried puffs dipped in honey or sugar to represent the cakes the Maccabees ate, along with Soofganiyot (also Sufganiyot) and zelebi. Pancakes are a traditional dish, serving as a reminder of the food hurriedly prepared for the Maccabees as they went into battle, along with the oil they are fried in as a reminder of the miraculous oil.

Latkes were originally symbolic of the cheesecakes served by the widow Judith, and later evolved to the potato/vegetable fried latkes most known today. Many cheese and dairy dishes are consumed in memory of brave Judith.

A newer tradition in the United States is the baking of butter cookies or pretzels in the shape of Hanukkah symbols while relating the stories. Children delight in helping and learn as they create, too.

Pancha Ganapati

Pancha Ganapati is a joyous time for the family and should include outings, picnics, holiday feasts, exchange of cards and gifts with relatives, friends, and business associates. Each day a traditional offering tray of sweets, fruits, and incense is offered to Pancha Ganapati. It may be prepared and presented by the children of the home. Gifts should be given to the children each day during these five days. They place them unopened before Pancha Ganapati. After each puja, the sweets are given to them from the offerring tray as prasada.

During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, chants, songs,hymns, and bhajanas are sung in his praise. A different family sadhana each day is focused upon. The first sadhana begins on the morning of December 21st and each day thereafter until the fifth and final, December 25th. The sadhanas to be performed are as follows.

DECEMBER 21

The family sadhana for the first day of Panch Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among the immediate family members. The day begins early and the entire family works together to design and decorate the shrine with traditional symbols, rangoli, lamps and more. When it is finished, a grand puja is performed invoking the spirit of Pancha Ganapati. The sadhana of the day now begins. The family sits together for the purpose of easing strained relationships that have arisen during the year. They make amends with one another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other's good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change another and the practicality of chaging one's self to be the silent example for all to witness. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Panch Ganapati. Family harmony is important to all Hindus. This sadhana must be taken seriously.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva

Jai Ganesha!

DECEMBER 22

The family sadhana for the second night of Pancha Ganapati is to creat a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends. This is the day for presenting gifts to next-door neighbors, relatives that live in the area and close friends. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up misunderstandings. Relatives and friends living in far off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released. All gifts received today are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva

Jai Ganesha!

DECEMBER 23

The family sadhana for the third day of Panch Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to merchants, customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana of today is the settling of all debts and disputes. All gifts received today are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva

Jai Ganesha!

DECEMBER 24

The family sadhana for the fourth day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony, bringing forth the vibration of joy that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. The family, relatives and friends gather for satsanga to share and enjoy their individual artistic gifts. When the program is over, all sit together discussing the traditional values of the Hindu Dharma. Then, before Pancha Ganapati, Patron of the Arts and Guardian of Culture, plans are made for the year ahead to bring more of these refinements of living into the home. All gifts received today are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva

Jai Ganesha!

DECEMBER 25

The family sadhana for the fifth and final day of Pancha Ganapati is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the famly members are now more open and aware of His Grace. Their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences a climax of an outpouring of love and tranquility from the God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it,inspiring them anew for the coming year. This exchange of affection between all members of the family and the Lord is invoked and perpetuated through the day by performing five special pujas. The first puja is at 6AM. Before the puja, personal offering trays are prepared and placed before His shrine. After the puja, each one gives a verbal testimony about prayers that were answered during the past year. Hearing testimonies strengthens the faith of everyone. Then vows of sacrifice can be verbally make. Vows should improve the quality of the life of the individual, such as giving up smoking or correcting other harmful habits.

The second puja is at 9AM, and the third at 12 Noon. The fourth puja is held at 3PM. At 6PM the fifth and final puja of the day is held. These five pujas to Pancha Ganapati solicit help from His devas in the home and establish the patterns for improvement in family life. The overflowing of love that is felt today will inspire generosity in the year to come, bringing in return abundance and good fortune. All gifts receved during the day are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

The evening puja, held at six o'clock, is the long awaited time. The five sadhanas have been completed. Peace, love and harmony among everyone has been restored. After the puja and before the great feast that follows, Lord Pancha Ganapati Himself gives His final darsana and prasada to one and all. Gifts are distributed and joyously opened. Happy children. Happy Parents. Happy God.
From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva.

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